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Chapter IV
THE STATE OF THE HARBOUR ENVIRONMENT: KANDLA
CHAPTER-IV
THE STATE OF THE HARBOUR ENVIRONMENT: KANDLA
4. INTRODUCTION
The Kandla port-the northwest gateway oflndia is an example of natural harbour with
deep inland water channel to facilitate easy trade. Compared to other coastal ports
Kandla has advantage of having dry weather and short spell and scanty monsoon
season hence there is hardly any loss of working days in a year1• These environmental
as well geographical factors make Kandla port an all weather port. It is also located
strategically on western coast of the Arabian Sea in order to promote oil import from
the Middle East countries. The port is also closer to European countries, which made
trade with these countries easy for India.
Recent port and urban developmental activities have attracted large population
concentrations in its immediate hinterland i.e., in Kandla and in Gandhidham urban
areas. As mentioned in the previous chapter the urban economic activities in Kandla
are getting more diversified in space and time. These activities impact on the
environment of port region. Thus, marine environment has been a great concern for
the areas where port facilities are located.
The port activities often directly or indirectly affect physical, chemical and biological
environment of the harbour near their area of operation. However, they do not always
impact harbour environment negatively. The facilities like birthing and wave breaker
create habitat for marine biota, which dwells around these facilities. Marine
environment at harbours of the world in general and Kandla port in particular has
been damaged by the port and urban activities depending upon the scale of operations.
The impact of port and urban activities on the marine environment at the Kandla port
may be assessed with the help of physical/chemical parameters of water quality,
Kandla Port Trust, 2000, "Kandla Port- Perfection Performance and Progress", Special Issues, The Link- Global Trade and Freight Review, Mumbai, p 83
48
sediment and biota. It has also been observed that the cause and impact relationship
between the port, port-city activities and marine environment is difficult to establish.
However, the evidences of pollution may indicate prevailing situation at the port
region. One can take circumstantial evidences into considerations while assessing the
status of marine environment at port region.
Geo-physical characteristics of Kandla port region have been described in this
chapter. Status of physical, chemical and biological environment in Kandla port in
terms of water quality, sediments and biota has also been assessed. Selected
parameters of water quality, sediment and biota of the Kandla port regions have been
analyzed in this chapter. The major limitation ofthis chapter is the lack of time series
data on the selected parameters. However, a limited number of indicators for water
quality, sediments and biota have been assessed in this chapter.
4.1 GEO-PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF KANDLA PORT
Kandla Port is situated at Latitude 23° ot'E and Longitude 70° 13 'N on the west bank
of Kandla Creek which forms part of the Gulf of Kuchchh 90 nautical miles from the
Arabian Sea. The Kandla Creek provides 23 km long channel with an average depth
of 1Om throughout the channel. Its width varies from 200m to 1 OOOm, which
facilitates day and night navigation of the ships to and from the Port according to their
draught. Climatic conditions at the Kandla port region are tropical dry with
temperature ranging between 25° and 44° during summer and it is mild during winter
with temperature in the range of 10° to 25°. The relative humidity in this region is
comparatively low with 20 per cent at its high. The tidal stream and the prevailing
winds play a vital roll in traffic movement at the port. The mean high Springtides
raise ocean water by 6.66m, which promote easier ship traffic movement. However,
the tides are irregular and are very much influenced by the strong prevailing winds.
Nevertheless, Kandla port has excellent geographical conditions, which makes it all
weather and well-protected port on the western seaboard oflndia since 1950.
49
4.2 WATER QUALITY AT THE KANDLA PORT REGION
Water quality of coastal water reveals the state of the overall environment. The
quality of water determines the biological and other resources in the marine
environment. However, water quality parameters in marine environment vary to a
great extent, which becomes difficult to explain, especially when we lack a
benchmark study. They are influenced by many geographical factors. The geo
physical and geo-chemical factors such as shape and size of the coastal areas,
prevailing currents, temperature, salinity, tidal impacts, directions of prevailing winds
and influx of fresh water influence the quality of water in a marine environment. The
above factors affect the various inputs that are being added into the harbour water.
Hence, we may not be able to analyse the overall impact of these inputs over the
marine water quality. The shifting nature of water column makes the task more
difficult for the analysis. Nonetheless, water quality indicators are fair enough to
reveal the state of environment in a marine area in case of harbour environment. The
pollution indicators in the water column can also give an indication of the impacts that
are likely to occur both in near future as well as in the long term at the present rate of
occurrence.
An early warning indicator can be described as a measurable biological, physical or
chemical response in relation to a particular stress, prior to significant adverse affects
occurring on the system of interest. The underlying concept of early warning
indicators is that effects can be detected, which are in effect, precursors to, or indicate
the onset of, actual environmental impacts. Such 'early warning' then provides an
opportunity to implement management decisions before serious environmental harm
occurs.
In this section selected water quality indicators are taken for the analysis of marine
environment in Kandla Port region. The water quality indicators have been taken from
the study done by National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai as mentioned
earlier. Based on the data for the pre and post monsoon period during 2002-03, both
temporal and spatial distribution of water quality indicators in the Kandla Port region
has been assessed. Map 4.1 shows the stations from where samples of water quality
have been selected.
50
These indicators have also been compared with the 'designated best use' for
quality/purity of marine water for different uses in coastal harbour regions. The
bench mark presented here are taken from the Ministry of Environment and Forest
(MOEF), Government of India (EPA, 1986, [GSR 7], dated December 22, 1998)
4.2.1 Temperature and Salinity:
Water temperature in Kandla Port area generally varies in the range of20-28 °C, with
some isolated pool of water having surface temperature of 32 °C2• However, the
present study shows a reduced range of water temperature in Kandla Port. Water
temperature ofKandla Port region varies between 22.25 °C and 23.25 °C in the month
of December 2002. Temperature rises marginally during the month of March 2003
and ranges between 25.50 °C to 27.0 °C across all the four stations and within the
stations vertically down from surface to bottom of the Creek. Summer temperature
may go even higher than the present one. The summer water temperature has been
recorded as high as 37 °C during May 1990 and May 20003. There is no vertical
variation in temperature of marine water in Kandla Port area due to lack of thermal
stratification in Creek4. This is because of the strong currents, high tidal impact and
low depth of the harbour areas. The currents influence vertical mixing and restrict the
stratification of water layer in the harbour area. Since the Kandla port region falls
under the arid zone, evaporation exceeds precipitation in a year. There is very little
supply of fresh water into the port area, which results in
Map: 4.1 The Stations of Water Sample at Kandla Port
2 M.D. Zingde, and N.M. Anand, 1996, Implication of Coastal Refineries to the Ecology of the Gulf of Kuchchh," National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, p 12
3 Saravana, A. Kumar, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, 2002, "Studies of Habitat Structure and Associated Faunal Diversity in Western Mangroves of Kuchchh- Gujarat." Ph.D. Thesis at the Centre for Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, p67
4 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO, (1998) "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, p22
51
SAMPLE STATIONS AT THE KANDLA PORT -2002-03
~E s
of Kuchchh ~ Port Qoundary
# Stations
2-Cargo Jetty,
0 A
Km
10 A
t '
1-Mouth region,
3-0il Jetty and 4- Junction of Sara Creek and Phang Creek
Source: National Institute of Oceanography, 2002
uniform water temperature vertically from surface to bottom. It is true in case of
temperatures variation across the stations. However, a seasonal variation of water
temperature is significant in Kandla Port area5•
5 Saravana. A Kumar, (Unpublished Ph.D. thesis), 2002 "Studies of Habitat Structure and Associated Faunal Diversity in Western Mangroves of Kuchchh - Gujarat." Ph.D. Thesis at the Centre for Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadupl4
52
As temperature influences the salinity of marine water in the tropics, water in Kandla
Port region has higher salinity in the range of 35.54 ppt. and 36.10 ppt. in the month
of December 2002. In the month of March salinity of water varies in the range of
44.74 ppt. and 49.32 ppt., which is one ofthe highest, recorded in tropical seawater.
The higher salinity towards inner regions around station 4 indicates localized effects
of seepage of high saline (brine) water from salt marshes and saltpans of salt
industries6• Hundreds of salt industries in and around Kandla Port use seawater with
salinity in the range of 35 to 39 ppt. They release 'bittern' remains of salt after
manufacturing, which has salinity as high as 250 ppt in Kandla Creek, thereby
increasing the salinity in isolated regions of port areas7• Lack of fresh water from
catchments coupled with higher evaporation is the cause of higher salinity in Kandla
Port area. In the Little Gulf ofKuchchh water salinity has been recorded as high as 50
ppts.
Generally, salinity at the Kandla Creek varies in the range of 37 to 42 ppt,9 however,
the present study shows marginally higher ranges during the pre-monsoon season. The
range may go even higher during summer. Two-way analysis of variance has shown
significant variations during December 2002 and March 2003. However, the 2-way
ANOV A results show no significant variation across the station. Similar analysis of
water salinity in Gulf of Kuchchh also confirmed this result and has found significant
variations only between the seasons. However, lateral gradient of salinity has been
observed in Kandla Creek region. The water salinity decreases from Kandla-Navlakhi
(40 ppt.) regions towards the outer Gulf at Salaya (37ppt) 10•
6 M.D. Zingde, and N.M. Anand, 1996, " Implication of Coastal Refineries to the Ecology of the Gulf ofKuchchh," National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbaib p6
7 N.D. Chhaya, 1997, Chhaya, N.D (1997) "Minding Out Marine Wealth: An Appraisal of Gujarat's Coastal Resources." Environment and Development Series, Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad, p44
8 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO, (1998) "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay p39
9 ibid; p40 10 ibid; p40
53
4.2.2 pH:
The pH of seawater of Kandla Port area varied in the range of 7.6 to 7.8 during the
month of December 2002 and March 2003. The earlier recorded pH values by Gujarat
Ecological Society (GES) in 1997 ranged between 7.8 and 7.9 in February 198i 1.
More than a decade after this study a range of7.8 to 8.0 pH of water ofKandla Creek
was recorded in February 199812• These pH values of Kandla water are somewhat
lower than the bench mark study done previously. Generally, the pH of seawater is
controlled by C03 /HC03-1/C03-
2 system and falls in the narrow range of (8.0-8.3).
The above deviations in pH of near shore water may be the result of terrestrial
influences.
Ministry ofEnvironment and Forest under Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1986
has set a stander norm of quality of marine water for various 'designated best uses' 13
of marine water (see Annexure 4.2 for 'designated best uses'). A broad range of
marine water pH value (6.5-8.5) is given for propagation of aquatic life. Values are
largely dependant upon soil-water interaction. The same value of pH has been
designated for bathing, contact water sports, recreation (non-contact), commercial
fishing, industrial cooling, and aesthetics. For harbour use, marginally higher pH
value in the range of 6.5-9.0 is permitted to minimize corrosive and scaling effect.
Hence, pH of Kandla Port water has been found under permissible limit for various
designated best uses of marine water. However, other water quality parameters need
to be examined so as to ascertain purity of marine water at Kandla Port regions. Other
water quality parameters may show higher limit beyond their range thereby restricting
some or all other uses of marine water for various purposes. The designated best uses
of marine water that have been prescribed under EPA, 1986 also considers other
parameters like turbidity, DO, BOD, suspended solids, metals, organic carbons etc.
together.
11 Gujarat Ecological Society (GES), 1997, GIS environmental data", posted on the web site www.gec.org
12 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO, (1998) "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay
13 EPA, 1986 [GSR 7, dated Dec. 22, 1998]
54
4.2.3 Turbidity:
Since Kandla Port areas fall under inner Gulf of Kuchch, there is a high turbulence in
the· Creek, due to strong a ocean currents and tidal influence. Therefore, the turbidity
of tropical seas is higher than other tropical and subtropical seas. The marine water
turbidity is expressed in Nephelo Turbidity Unit (NTU). Water turbidity in Kandla
Port region has been recorded in the range of77. 24 NTU to 566 NTU in March 2003.
Comparatively lower turbidity range (99.50 NTU to 360.50 TNU) has been recorded
in the month of December 2002. The earlier studies have also endorsed this recent
study from NIO, Mumbai for the Kandla Port Trust. The two-way analysis of variance
has been worked out in order to see the variation accross the stations and seasons as
far as the turbidity of water in the Kandla Port region is concerned. A significant
variation has been found both accross the stations and seasons. Turbidity range
sometimes goes even higher during monsoon season as more and more sediment load
accompanies the surface runoff of various water channels draining into the Kandla
Creek. Generally, water turbidity is high due to high organic load of mud and silt. 14
Higher turbidity of marine water at the Kandla Port regions may also be associated
with the constant dredging activities, which is done on a regular basis along the
Kandla Creek. Dredging activities and disposal of dredged sediment increases
turbidity leading to reduced light penetration. They also reduce dissolved oxygen in
marine water. 15
A turbidity of 30 NTU has been designated for the contact use of marine water like
bathing, direct contact recreations, and commercial fishing. The same turbidity (30
NTU) is considered as reasonably clear water for recreation, aesthetic
appreciation and
14 K. Omprakash, 1997, "Site Selection of Fishery Harbour and Aquaculture Farm." In Proceedings ofThe Workshop on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, April2-4, 1997 SAC, Ahmedabad and Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, p 82
15 V.S. Gowri, and S. Ramachandran, 2001, "Coastal Pollution Management" in Ramachandran, S. ( ed) Coastal Environment and Management, Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai, p 181
55
Turbidity in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
Turbidity NTU
High : 189
Low : 99
Oil Jetties
( Kandla Port
Gulf of Kuchchh
56
(\I
l J
l / /
/ /
industrial cooling purposes. Therefore, the stander norm of water quality does not
permit such activities in Kandla Port region, as turbidity of Kandla port region has
reported to be much higher than the prescribed limit for the designated best uses for
the direct contact use. However, for harbour and navigational purposes, no such limit
has been fixed so far.
4.2.4 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and BOD:
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) are the most vital
water quality parameters in any marine ecosystem. The health of aquatic life is closely
linked with their availability. Dissolved oxygen in marine water is the result of
photosynthesis and the dissolution of oxygen from atmosphere at the air- water \
interface.
DO is consumed in marine ecosystem by the respiration and decaying organic matter
in the water column. Loads of high organic matters may deplete the DO to its
minimum level, which can be detrimental for the aquatic life. A severe depletion of
DO may lead to 'Eutrophication' in an aquatic system. However, no such event has
been reported in Kandla port region so far.
DO in marine water of Kandla Port region has been found in the range of 4.93 mg/1
and 6.64 mg/1 for the month of December 2002. Whereas in the month of March 2003
DO in Kandla Port region has been observed in the range of 4.99mg/l and 6.13mg/l.
Similar range of DO in marine water has been observed during 2000 all across the
Kandla Creek regions 16• Another study during 1998 revealed that DO in the Kandla
Creek varies in the range of 1.2mg/l to 8.6 mg/1. This high range of DO is of concern
as it suggests that the organic loading in the Kandla Creek has perhaps increased17.
16 Sarawana. A. Kumar, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, 2002, "Studies of Habitat Structure and Associated Faunal Diversity in Western Mangroves of Kuchchh- Gujarat." Ph.D. Thesis at the Centre for Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, p12
17 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO, ( 1998) "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA-Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay
57
BOD in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
cf
~rA1-. ~
·{!
BOD
High : 2.800000
Low : 0.660000
I I
I
r
0 ., j • ) G 1 etttes
Kandla Port
(
0
Gulf of Kuchchh
58
I
I ) r
/
The current range of dissolved oxygen in the marine water of Kandla Port region
conforms to the designated best use for Salt pans, Shell fishing, Mariculture and
Ecologically Sensitive Zone. For ecologically sensitive zone not less than 3.5mg/l at
any time in a year (or 5.0 mg/1 at 60 percent saturation level) of DO is essential for the
protection of aquatic life. Similarly for bathing, contact water sports and commercial
fishing a minimum of 3.5mg/l at any time in a year (or 4.0 mg/1 at 50 percent
saturation level) of DO is required. However, for any other designated use like
industrial cooling, recreation (non-contact), aesthetics, navigational, harbour and
controlled waste disposal; a relatively less DO limit of 3.0 mg/1 or 40 percent
saturation value, which ever is higher, has been fixed in order to protect the aquatic
life. In other words the marine water of Kandla port region has the required level of
DO needed to protect marine aquatic life.
On the other hand BOD in the Kandla port region was found to be in the range of 0.33
mg/1 and 2.80mg/l during December 2002. A comparatively depressed range of BOD
of 0.56 mg/1 and 1.67 mg/1 was observed during the month of March 2003. Rapid
Marine EIA18 report found BOD of Kandla Creek region in the range of <0.1 to
4.2mg/l during 1998. According to this study the value of BOD has remained low and
comparable to previous studies. It grossly negates the influence of port activities on
the BOD of Kandla port. The oxidizing matter that enters the Kandla Creek has been
consumed effectively leaving no gross impact on BOD in marine water. There is no
special variation in the distribution of BOD in Kandla Port region. However, seasonal
variations have been observed.
The two-way analysis of variance shows that there is a significant variation between
the seasons for both DO and BOD. However, there is no significant variation between
the stations for both the parameters. The present results somewhat differ from an
earlier study19 which shows no significant variation between the seasons and stations
in the Kandla Creek regions as far as the DO is concerned. The present range of BOD
in marine water at Kandla Port region, the designated best use for class IV i.e. for
18 ibid; p42 19 Sarawana. A. Kumar, Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, 2002, "Studies of Habitat Structure and
Associated Faunal Diversity in Western Mangroves of Kuchchh- Gujarat." Ph.D. Thesis at the Centre for Advance Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, p13
59
harbour use is at permissible level. However, direct contact sports and bathing is
restricted.
4.2.5 Nutrients (Phosphorous and Nitrogen Compounds):
Plant nutrients in marine water such as phosphorous and nitrogen compounds are
present in low concentration, however, they are very crucial for the marine life. Their
increase in concentration enhances the primary productivity in marine water.
Nonetheless, excessive concentration sometimes can be detrimental to the aquatic life
especially in creeks, estuaries and bays where there is a restricted water exchange.
These increased nutrients lead to an excessive growth of algae resulting in
eutrophication in some extreme cases20. Eutrophication in tropical marine water is
rare, however, there are many examples of this process setting in various subtropical
seas. Although, Kandla Port region is situated in a creek, the strong currents and
higher tidal influence discourages such conditions to take place. Let us examine
nutrients present in marine water quality of Kandla Port region based on the study of
rapid marine EIA, conducted by National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai in
1998. Table 4.2.5 shows the concentration of nutrients in marine water of Kandla
Creek.
Table: 4.2.5 Concentration of Nutrients in Water Column of Kandla Port area.
Nutrients Concentration (p,g/1)
P04-P 71-263
N03-N 85-195
N02-N 2-37
NH3-N 1-106
Source: National Institute of Oceanography, 1998
In a pristine coastal marine water that is unaffected by any anthropogenic activities, it
is expected that the level of concentration of phosphorous should be lower than that
of the
20 National Institute of Oceanography, 1998 "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay, 1998 p42
60
Nitrogen in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
I ) I ~ I
I I I
:\( v
•
(_ 'v
7f/' ~{
'
r.51
NITROGEN
High : 5.75
Low : 4.43
I J (
Oil Jetties
Kandla Port
0
Gulf ofKuchchh
61
\
/
I
I
l
Phosphorous in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
I l
•
c'V
7f/' 1' .
\ I \ ( \
( r.Xf
PHOSPHEROUS / /
High • 2.30 \ ! J l
Low • 1.04 I I \
Oil Jetties \ { I
I ( Kandla Port
\ I
Gulf of Kuchchh
62
}
l I
ammonia. However, in case of Kandla creek the result is quite reverse. The relatively
higher concentration of phosphorous in Kandla Creek suggests that there is an input
of phosphorous into the Kandla Creek. The higher concentration of NH3 - N in the
water is due to the fall out from the IFFCO fertilizer plant located in the Kandla Port
region21. But this increase in nutrients is unlikely to increase primary productivity
substantially as there is high turbidity and suspended solids, which reduces light
penetration. Thus conditions arising out of this situation may not encourage
eutrophication. Nonetheless, it is of a great concern to identify the sources of
phosphorous into the Kandla Creek and an adequate step may be taken to minimize
these inputs into the Creek. Since the concentration ofN02 - Nand NH2-N are low,
therefore there is an indication that good oxidizing conditions exist in Kandla Creek.
4.2.6 Suspended Solids:
Suspended solids in Kandla port area varied in the range of 97.50 mg/1 and
357 .30mg/l during the month of December 2002. The range increased further in
March 2003 (100 mg/1 to 507.20mg/l). Generally, the suspended solids in the Kandla
Port region are high and vary to a great extent from the inner port region to the out
harbour region and further towards outer Gulf. The suspended solids, however,
decrease substantially in the outer Gulf and are below 50mg/l away from the coastal
areas.22 Two-way analysis of variance shows a significant variation between stations
(See ANOV A table in the appendix). However, there is no significant variation
between the seasons as far as the suspended solids in the Kandla port region are
concerned. The higher value of suspended solids and their variations across the
stations in the inner Gulf including Kandla Port regions results from the dispersion of
sediment loads due to strong currents and tidal influence23.
21 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO (2002) " Monitoring of environmental Parameters in Kandla Port Area." Quarterly Report- I (October, 2002-January, 2003) Sponsored by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, NIO/SP-8/2002, NIO, Bombay; National Institute of Oceanography, NIO (2003) " Monitoring of environmental Parameters in Kandla Port Area." Quarterly Report- II (February, 2003-May, 2003) Sponsored by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, NIO/SP-15/2003, NIO, Bombay
22 M.D. Zingde, and N.M. Anand, 1996, Implication of Coastal Refineries to the Ecology of the Gulf ofKuchchh," National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai, p69
23 ibid; p69
63
Suspended Solid in the Water of Kandla Port ?
SUSPENDED SOLID
High : 121 .09
Low : 97.50
/
/
l~
2003 ),
,r/ (
Oil Jetties
Kandla Port
--~~ r ___ ~~ J / _,
/ // /,/
/
Gulf of Kuchchh
--------
64
/
Table: 4.1: Water quality indicators in Kandla Port Region, December, 2002 and March 2003
Tem2erature Salinity EH Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03
oc oc PSU PSU Range Minimum 22.25 25.50 35.54 44.74 7.70 7.60
Maximum 23.25 27.00 36.10 49.32 7.80 7.80
Turbidity DO BOD Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 (NTU) (NTU) (mg/1) (mg/1) (mg/1) (mg/1)
Range Minimum 99.50 77.24 4.93 4.99 0.33 0.56 Maximum 360.50 566.10 6.64 6.13 2.80 1.67
P04 -P N03-N N02-N Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 ).lmol/1 ).1 mol/1 ).lmol/1 ).lmol/1 ).lmol/1 ).lmol/1
Range Minimum 1.04 1.02 3.58 2.27 0.17 0.03 Maximum 2.30 1.78 6.07 6.52 0.65 1.20
NH3-N Si03 - Si SUSOL Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 ).1 mol/1 ).1 mol/1 ).lmol/1 ).lmol/1 mg/1 mg/1
Range Minimum 1.20 1.31 4.32 1.51 97.50 100.00 Maximum 6.96 12.38 10.93 9.10 357.30 507.20
PHc Phenyl Com2ound Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03
).lg/1 ).lg/1 ).lg/1 ).lg/1 Range Minimum 2.72 2.08 2.24 2.12
Maximum 16.44 18.46 14.21 6.35 Source: National Institute of Oceanography, 2002 and 2003
4.2. 7 Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHC) and Phenyl Compound:
Very low concentration of PHc and Phenol compounds are naturally found in the
marine water. Any increase in these elements in seawater especially in the bay, creeks
and estuaries, often suggests their association with the anthropogenic activities
originating either from land based sources or from spills, leakage and handling
during shipment.
65
PHA
L
PHA in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
(
/
High : 16.12
Low : 2.80 Oil Jetties 0 /\v
/ Kandla Port
)
~------___-/ Gulf of Kuchchh
66
( /~
--
Petroleum hydrocarbons in the water column of Kandla port area have been found in
the range of 2. 72 J..lg/1 to 16.44)lg/l during the month of December. Almost the san1e
range has been observed during the month of March with minimum of 2.0811g/l and a
maximum of 18.46!lg/l. While the concentration of Phenyl compounds has also been
observed in the high range of2.24!lg/l and 14.21!1 in December 2002 and 2.1211g/l to
6.35!lg/l in March 2003 respectively.
The high range of petroleum hydrocarbon and phenol results from the spills and
leakage during the handling of crude petroleum products at the Kandla Port especially
at oil terminals24. These are localized impacts of loading and unloading of oil and
other petroleum products at their jetties.
Two-way analysis of variance for the distribution of PHC and Phenyl compounds in
Kandla Port Region shows no significant variation between stations and seasons.
Therefore, it is concluded that the high concentration of PHC is the result of localized
anthropogenic activities of Kandla Port area. The earlier two studies25 of National
Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai in 1996 and 1998 have observed low
concentration of PHC in Kandla Creek area. The increase in the concentration of
PHC is a recent phenomenon and is likely to increase further as there are many
proposed jetties to be constructed for handling of oil and petroleum products.
The impact of increased concentration of PHC is likely to affect the marine biota and
primary productivity in Kandla Creek. The 'designated best use26' for Harbour
activities also suggest a lower concentration of less than 10 mg/1 of PHC and other
floating matters
24 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO (2002) " Monitoring of environmental Parameters in Kandla Port Area." Quarterly Report- I (October, 2002-January, 2003) Sponsored by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, NIO/SP-8/2002, NIO, Bombay; National Institute of Oceanography, NIO (2003) " Monitoring of environmental Parameters in Kandla Port Area." Quarterly Report - II (February, 2003-May, 2003) Sponsored by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, NIO/SP-15/2003, NIO, Bombay
25 M.D. Zingde, and N.M. Anand, 1996, Implication of Coastal Refineries to t]le Ecology of the Gulf of Kuchchh," National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai; National Institute of Oceanography, 1998 "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay
26 Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, 1998, "Environmental Protection Act (EPA), 1986" [GSR 7, dated Dec. 22, 1998], New Delhi
67
Phenol in the Water of Kandla Port 2003
/
PHENOL
High: 6.73
Low: 2.84 /
Oil Jetties
Kandla Port
/
Gulf of Kuchchh
68
/
/
/
/ /
in marine harbour water. The increased concentration may clog or coat operative parts
of marine vessels/equipments.
4.3 SEDIMENT QUALITY AT KANDLA CREEK
Unlike water quality parameters, sediments are more reliable indicators of pollution.
The contaminations absorbed by the particulate matters in water column ultimately
get transferred to the sediment on settling. The concentration of pollution in sediments
increases over time in the receiving regions of contamination. Hence they represent a
base line level of contamination in the sediment prior to any developmental activity
that is likely to influence the level of contamination in the sediment.27 Sediments are
more static and are less likely to be influenced by other geographical factors, which
bring changes in the level of contamination.
Sediment quality of any estuary or creek determines the amount of bottom dwelling
biota in the marine environment. The toxic materials get accumulated into the layers
of sediments over the years. Based on the data from a recent study carried out by the
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai on the behest of Kandla Port
Trust, we present the sediment quality terms of nutrients of Kandla port regions in.
The study has been carried out on the directives of Ministry of Environment and
Forest (MOEF).
4.3.1 Nutrients:
Table 4.3.1 presents the sediment quality of Kandla port region taking only two
parameters into accounts such as Total Phosphorous (TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN) in
two point of time.
Table: 4.3.1 Total Phosphorous (TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN) in Sediment at
Kandla Creek-2002-03
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4
Parameters Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02 Mar-03 Dec-02
Total Phosphorous
(TP) in 1-1grnlgni 1.72 2.5 1.88 2.36 2.69 2.26 1.35 1.54
Total Nitrogen (TN)
in 1-lgrnlmg 14.12 17.05 17.08 21.42 22.54 20.42 19.58 13.47
Source: National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), 2002 and 2003
27 NIO, 1998 "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay
69
4.3.1.1 Total Phosphorous (TP):
Fig. 4.3.1.1 Total Phosphorous in the Sediment ofKandla Port Region-2002-03
3
2.5
E 2 Cl
I E 1.5
g' 1
0.5
0
2 3 4
Stations
-----·----------------------------·-------
Source: National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), 2002 and 2003
l--+- Series 1
---- Series2 -------
Figure 4.3.1 .1 represents the total phosphorous in the sedi111ent of Kandl a Port
regtons.
Series 1 with blue line represents data collected in December 2002 and series 2 with
pink line depicts data collected in March 2003 for four locations from the mouth of
the port at the Gulf of Kutch to the junction where Sara Creek meets Phang Creek
(Pl ease refer to the Figure. 4.1 showing geographical location of the sampling stations
(1 -4) on the map). The selected four stations pertain to Mouth regions, Cargo Jetty,
Oil Jetty and junction where Sara Creek and Phang Creek meet representing sample
stations 1 ,2,3, and 4 respectively.
In December 2002 the total phosphorous concentration at the Kandla Port regions
were 2.50 llgmlgm, 2.36 !lgm/gm, 2.26 llgmlgm, 1.54 !lgm/gm, at the stations 1, 2, 3
and 4 respectively. Whereas data collected in March 2003 shows total phosphorous
concentration of 1.72 llgrnlgm, 1.88 !lgm/gm, 2.69 11gmlgm and 1.35 11gm/gm at the
stations 1 ,2,3 and 4 respectively. These two sets of data represents on ly pre-monsoon
70
period to see the seasonal variations in the concentration of total phosphorous in the
sediment ofKandla Port region.
The sample data collected in December 2003 showed higher concentration of total
phosphorous for all stations except at station 3. The concentration of phosphorous was
higher in March 2003. The concentration of phosphorous in December showed
marginal decline till station 3 if one moved from the mouth of the port towards Pheng
Creek. The concentration of phosphorous reduced significantly at station 4 at the
junction of Sara Creek and Pheng Creek. On the other hand concentration of
phosphorous increased from the mouth of the port up to station 3 and decreased
towards station 4 in March 2003. The highest concentration has been recorded at
station 3 during March 2003. Spatial concentration revealed that the total phosphorous
in the sediment of Kandla Creek was higher at the stations 2 and 3 i.e. at the Cargo
and Oil Jetties respectively. These are the localized effects of marine process at the
Kandla Port area. However, the variations across seasons and stations are not
significant.
Two-ways ANOV A test has been done to see the variations in the distributions of
total phosphorous, across the seasons and stations. The results reveal that there is no
significant variation in the distribution of Total Phosphorous in the sediment of
Kandla Port Area (See Annexure, 4.1. for ANOV A result). However, higher
concentrations of Phosphorous at few stations are the result of localized effects of
fertilizer industries. Higher concentration of phosphorous enriches the nutrient quality
of sediment in marine environment. Moreover; excessive nutrient increase chances of
'eutrophication' in marine areas. Total Nitrogen is a major nutrient in the marine
water that also affects the biophysical characteristics of marine environment such as
Kandla Creek.
4.3.1.2 Total Nitrogen (TN):
Let us examine concentration of Total Nitrogen in the sediment of Kandla Port region
during the same period of time. Figure: 4.3.1.2 presents the concentration of Total
Nitrogen in sediment of Kandla Port Region.
71
25
20
E Cl 15
E Cl 10 :J
5
0
Fig. 4.3.1.2 Concentration of Total Nitrogen in the sediment of Kandla Port Region, 2002-03
--+--Series 1 · -series2 - ~ - ~ --
2 3 4
Stations
Source: National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), 2002 and 2003
Series 1 with blue line represents data collected in December 2002 and series 2 with
pink line depicts data collected in March 2003 for four locations as mentioned earli er
in case of concentration of Total Phosphorous. The seasonal as well as spatial pattern
in the concentration of total nitrogen seems to be similar to that of the concentration
of Total Phosphorous in the sediment of Kandla port region. In the month of
December 2002 concentration of Total Nitrogen at the Mouth region , Cargo Jetty, Oil
Jetty and at the Junctions of Sara and Pheng Creek were 17.05 IJgm/gm,
21.42)-lgrnlgm, 20.421Jgrnlgm and 13.471Jgm/gm respectively. Whereas in the month
ofMarch 2003 the concentration oftotal nitrogen with 14.l21Jgm/gm, 17.081Jgm/gm.
22.541Jgm/gm, and 19.581Jgm/gm has been recorded at the Mouth region, Cargo Jetty,
Oil Jetty and at the Junctions of Sara and Pheng Creek respectively. A contrasting
pattern of seasonal variations emerges in the distribution of concentration of total
nitrogen in the sediment of Kandla Port region. In the month of December 2002, the
concentration was higher at the Mouth and Cargo Jetty regions respectively as
compared to Oil Jetty and at the Junctions at station 4. On the other hand in March
2003 the distribution in the concentration oftotal nitrogen was reversed. Similar to the
case of total phosphorous however, the highest concentration of total nitrogen was
also found at the Oil Jetty (station 3) during both the seasons.
In other words if one examines the conglomeration of port and industrial activities ,
one finds that these activities are by and large located in between these two stations of
72
Cargo and Oil Jetties. In case oftotal nitrogen also, the variations in the concentration
accross the seasons and stations is not found to be significant.
Two-way ANOV A test results reveal that there is no significant variation across the
seasons and stations (See Annexure 4.1 for ANOV A table for total nitrogen)
The total phosphorous and total nitrogen concentration in sediment at these stations
can partly be explained by the fact that the dry bulk and liquid cargo containing these
chemical fertilizers gets spilled into the harbour during handling. In due course of
time they find their way into the sediment through water column of the Kandla Creek.
If one examines the toxic impact of these two elements in the sediment of Kandla Port
region on one finds that the sediment is not polluted to the extent expected
considering the amount of port and industrial activities in the Port region (See
Guidelines and Standard limit of these toxic elements in Marine sediment in
appendix). For better understanding of sediments one should analyse the trace and
heavy metals in the layers of sediments.
4.3.2 Trace Metals:
Due to lack of studies on sediment analysis especially for the trace materials and
heavy metals in Kandla creek in recent time, we are unable to present the status of
sediment as far as these toxic inputs are concerned. However, we can present the
metal contamination in the sediment of Kandla Port region, based on the analysis
done by NIO in 1998 for the Bharat Petrochemical Corporation Limited (BPCL).
Table 4.3.2 shows the concentration of metals in the sediment ofKandla Port region.
73
Table 4.3.2 Concentration of Metals in Sediment of Kandla Creek
Metals Concentration (Range)
Aluminum (%) 1.7-7.9
Chromium (!lg/g) 26-76
Manganese (!lg/g) 428-757
Iron(%) 1.2-6.2
Cobalt (!lg/g) 16-35
Nickel (!lg/g) 9-60
Copper (!lg/g) 6-51
Zinc (!lg/g) 12-77
Mercury (!lg/g) 0.1
Source: National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), 1998
The concentration of metals in the sediment of Kandla port area is well within the
baseline and suggests no gross metallic contamination in the sediment.
It is suggested to find out the date of these parameters established through carbon
dating and multi-beam analysis so as to find the probable historical linkages of these
toxic materials into the sediment of Kandla Creek. At the same time there is an
immediate need to examine the sediment at the Kandla Port region with respect to
other parameters such as other trace metals like lead, cadmium, and hydrocarbons in
order to examine the state of the marine environment. This has been done in case of
sediment analysis ofHalifax Harbour in Canada.
4.3.3 Petroleum Hydrocarbons:
The concentration of PHCs in the sediment of Kandla Port area are low with a range
of 0.1-0.4 11g/g wet wt) and do not indicate gross contamination of anthropogenic
discharge. The earlier studies from NIO also suggest low concentration of petroleum
hydrocarbons in the sediments of Kandla Port area. A few localized high
concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons are indicatives of chance-localized
occurrence of PHC residue such as tar in the sediment. The leakage and spills of oil
74
and petroleum products remains in the water columns only. This in turn affects the
health of marine biota, which depends on the quality of marine water and their habitat.
4.4 MARINE BIOTA IN KANDLA PORT REGION
Biological resources of a marine area reflect the overall environment of the region in
question. The coastal areas especially bays, creeks and estuaries are rich in biota and
are habitat of many marine species. Usually ports are also built in these areas for their
geographical advantages. The port and harbour activities in these locations disturb
the habitat of many marine biota. However, in the process many habitats are also
created for marine biota. The Gulf of Kuchchh is an example of such habitat and has
been considered to be rich in biodiversity. Kandla port has been built right in the gulf
and has been serving this region for more than half a century. In the process the
developmental activities including that of the port activities have started showing
anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment of the region. In the earlier
discussion, we have found the imprints of anthropogenic impacts on marine
environment especially on water quality and sediments of Kandla port area. In this
section, we present the status of marine biota in the Kandla Port region. As we have
mentioned above that the Gulf of Kuchchh is very rich in biodiversity however,
marine biota in Kandla Port region has been found to be moderate as in other coastal
water of India.
In general the basic parameters of marine biota like Chlorophyll a, Phytoplankton and
Primary Productivity are observed to be moderate in their values but similar to those
prevailing along the coastal waters of India28. Natural geographical processes such as
strong currents and higher tidal influence have been responsible for the high turbidity
and suspended solids which in turn reduce the light penetration thereby reducing the
growth of Plankton and primary productivity.
Kandla Port region has been characterized by SW-IV category of 'best designated
use' of marine waters. In case of Kandla Port region, the marine biota are in general
found to be in moderate numbers.
28 National Institute of Oceanography, 2002, Monitoring of environmental Parameters in Kandla Port Area." Quarterly Report - I (October, 2002-January, 2003) Sponsored by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat, NIO/SP-8/2002, NIO, Bombay pl2
75
Table 4.4 Primary Productivity of Gulf of Kuchchh
Particulars Range
Surface of water Bottom of water
Chlorophyll 'a', Jlg/mJ 0.7-0.9 0.55-0.65
·Phytoplankton, No/1 3500-5400 28000 - 40000
No. ofmajor genera 3-4 3-5
Biomass, ml/mJ 1.3-4.3 1.8-2.9
Zooplankton, No/ 100 mj 7300-19000 4.8-18.5
Macrobenthos, Noll 00 mj 1350
Biomass mg/mj 2.8
No. of groups 6
Source: Gujarat Ecological Commission, (1999)
Primary productivity namely, Phytoplankton and Zooplankton are found to be
moderate in the marine water of Gulf of Kuchchh. Chlorophyll 'a' is indicative of
moderate productivity of the Gulf of Kuchchh. Table 4.4 shows the range of primary
productivity in the Gulf of Kuchchh region. The distribution of Chlorophyll 'a' is
slightly higher at the surface of water than the bottom of water. It ranges from 0. 7 to
0.9 Jlg/m3 at the surface and 0.55 to 0.65 Jlg/m3 at the bottom of the water.
However, the distribution of phytoplankton is more at the bottom than that of the
surface of water. It ranges from 3500-5400 No./1 at the surface and 28000- 450000
No./1 at the bottom of marine water.
In case of the distribution of Zooplankton the range is very high at the surface of
water compared to that of the bottom of water. The distribution of Zooplankton ranges
from 7300 to 19000 per 100m3 at the surface of water and only 4.5 to 18.5 per 100
m3 in the bottom ofwater. This is because ofthe fact that Gulf has high turbidity, due
to strong currents and tidal impact that reduces the light penetration thereby reducing
the overall composition of Zooplankton. As far as the Macro-benthos is concerned, it
increases from Kandla towards Salaya in the outer Gulf. The primary productivity
however, increases towards the outer Gulf ofKuchchh.
76
Both natural as well as man-made disturbances influence the biological characteristics
in the Kandla creek. The anthropogenic activities such as port and its allied activities
influence the natural geographical processes at the Harbour leading to negative impact
on biological characteristics of marine environment.
4.5 CONCLUSIONS
1. The overall water quality of Kandla pmi region has been analysed for a
number of parameters. The concentration of toxic element is by and large
found to be low and suggests fewer inputs in the marine water of Kandla port
area. Primary water quality parameters such as DO, BOD and Nutrients are
within the permissible limit of marine water quality standards. However,
localized enrichment of some nutrients such as phosphorous (P04 3
- -P) and
NH3 - N is observed. This is due to the fallout at the IFFCO fertilizer plant
located at the Kandla Port. 29
2. The concentration of Petroleum products is of great concern. These petroleum
products are found in high concentration as a result of the fallout at the oil
jetties due to loading and unloading of oil and other petroleum products.
However, other geo-chemical parameters such as salinity, turbidity and
suspended solids are found in high concentration for obvious geographical
reasons.
3. The present state of water quality of Kandla port regwn suggests that
anthropogenic activities have started showing their impacts in terms of inputs
into the Kandla port area. It is likely that these inputs soon have a deleterious
impact on the harbour environment resulting in pollution that originates from
land-based sources.
4. We have, in this thesis, presented a limited but detailed water quality study of
the Kandla port region. The presence and distribution of major toxic matter
29 National Institute of Oceanography, NIO, (1998) "Environmental Studies for the Proposed BPCL Jetty and Associated Facilities at Kandla." Rapid Marine EIA- Part I, May 1998, NIO, Bombay, p26
77
such as heavy metals in the water column has not been discussed due to lack
of previous studies and database. This suggested that a detailed study ofwater
quality analysis is undertaken in the Kandla Port region for heavy metals in
order to do monitor the environmental parameters. Fecal coliform (for bacteria
and pathogen) needs to be observed, as domestic and industrial wastewaters
are also being drained untreated into the Kandla port region.
5. Nutrient enriched sediments are found in Kandla Creek. However, gross metal
contamination has not been observed. The higher concentration of
phosphorous and nitrogen at few stations are the localized influence of
anthropogenic activities. The fallouts at the IFFICO fertilizer plant due to
loading and unloading results in t}le high nutrient concentration of sediments
in the Kandla Port region. Localized concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons
does not indicate anthropogenic discharge. Compared to water contamination
the sediments of Kandla Port areas are less contaminated.
78
